Summary
Feline erosive polyarthritis includes the more common periosteal proliferative polyarthritis
(PPP) and the rarely seen rheumatoid arthritis (RA) (11). During the past three years,
12 patients with definite feline rheumatoid arthritis, which did not respond well
to conventional therapy, were treated with 7.5 mg of Methotrexate and 70 mg Leflunomide,
given weekly by the oral route. The average age of the cats was 5.9 years (range 2.5
to 10 years). Siamese cats were over represented. Seven of the 12 (58%) cats showed
a marked improvement, usually within four weeks. Once maximum improvement was obtained
the dosage was decreased. Serious toxicity was not noted and carcinogenetic effect
was not seen during the course of this study.
Keywords
Disease modifying therapy - cats - rheumatoid arthritis